Illegal to Legal Suite – $10K Grant!

Considering converting your basement suite? Have you checked out Calgary’s Secondary Suite Incentive Program? This program helps homeowners create safe, legal secondary suites, and if you’re thinking of building or legalizing a suite, you could get up to $10K to help cover the costs.

In this blog, we’ll cover everything from what makes a suite illegal to what’s needed to apply for the program, plus the benefits of having a legal suite:

What is an Illegal Suite?

An illegal suite is a secondary suite (like a basement apartment) that doesn’t meet the city’s safety, zoning, or building code rules. This could mean it was built without permits, has fire hazards (like missing smoke alarms or unsafe wiring), lacks a proper entrance, or is in a neighbourhood that doesn’t allow suites.

Even if it looks fine, if the city hasn’t approved it, it’s still illegal—which can lead to fines, insurance problems, or even eviction orders for tenants.

What’s the Deal?

If you’re a homeowner looking to build or legalize a secondary suite, the City of Calgary is offering up to $10K to help cover the costs. But there are a few conditions:

1. The suite must be inside your home: This means basement suites, in-law suites, or similar setups within the main house qualify. Backyard suites or detached units don’t count.
2. You must live in the home: This program is for homeowners who reside on the property while upgrading or legalizing the suite. It’s not for investment properties or landlords who don’t live there.
3. One application per homeowner: You can only apply for one suite per property and per person, so choose wisely!

How do you Qualify?

Before you can apply, you’ll need to meet a few key requirements:

1. Building permit: Whether you’re starting from scratch or bringing an existing suite up to code, you’ll need city approval before applying. No permit, no funding!
2. Follow safety rules – Your suite has to meet building codes to keep tenants safe. That means:
   • Proper exits (like egress windows in case of emergencies).
   • Hardwired smoke & carbon monoxide detectors.
   • Fire barriers to slow down flames in case of a fire.
3. Live in the home – This program is only for homeowners who live on the property. If it’s a rental property where you don’t reside, you’re out of luck.

Benefits of a Legal Suite:

Legalizing your basement suite is a smart move with plenty of benefits. It helps you avoid fines, legal issues, and eviction orders, and removes the stress of inspections or complaints. A legal suite also ensures safety, meeting fire codes and insurance requirements, so you’re fully protected.

On top of that, legalizing your suite can increase your property value, make it easier to sell, and attract reliable, long-term tenants who prefer a safe, approved space.

The Secondary Suite Program is worth looking into since it offers up to $10K to help cover the costs of legalizing your suite. It keeps you protected from legal and insurance issues while boosting your property value and bringing in dependable tenants. It’s truly a win all around!